UK consumers increasingly see food affordability, security and sustainability as closely connected challenges, states a new research, highlighting an opportunity for the new government to strengthen the resilience of the UK’s food system as it sets priorities.
According to a study by Tetra Pak of 2,000 UK adults, 85% are concerned about rising food prices, while 75% define food security as keeping food both safe to eat and affordable. About half say they would oppose policies that increase food prices, underlining that affordability remains the public’s overriding priority.
The consumer study published today also suggests people are becoming more aware of wider pressures across the food system.
While rising food prices remain the biggest concern, the research shows consumers increasingly understand that affordability cannot be separated from wider issues including food waste, supply chain resilience, food safety and sustainability.
Three quarters (76%) say packaging helps keep food safe, 61% believe it supports food availability during periods of disruption, and 58% say it helps reduce food waste. Taken together, the findings suggest consumers increasingly recognise packaging as part of the solution to building a more resilient food system.
The research suggests consumers don’t view sustainability as a trade-off. More than half (57%) support more environmentally friendly packaging where it does not compromise affordability, food safety or performance, pointing to a growing demand for solutions that deliver both environmental progress and a stronger food system.
Richard Ali, director of corporate affairs, Europe at Tetra Pak, said: “As the Government sets its priorities, there’s an opportunity to strengthen food security by considering how decisions across the economy affect the resilience, availability and affordability of food.
"To support this, we’re calling for the Government to consider a ‘Food Security Test’, a new simple framework for reviewing how policies on areas such as trade, infrastructure and agriculture support the long-term strength of the UK’s food system.
"It’s not about creating new regulation, but ensuring every major policy assesses its potential impact on the UK’s food system before decisions are made.
“Businesses across the food value chain have a critical role to play too. Consumers aren’t asking us to choose between affordability, resilience and sustainability, they expect progress on all three. Keeping food affordable starts with keeping food available, and packaging plays an important role by protecting food, extending shelf life and reducing waste.”